If two Michigan lawmakers get their way, there will be fewer locations in the state where people are allowed to carry firearms.
Democratic Senators Dayna Polehanki of Livonia and Rosemary Bayer of Beverly Hills have introduced bills that would expand gun-free zones within the State Capitol complex.
Senate Bills 857 and 858 would make it illegal to carry a firearm in the State Capitol building, the Binsfeld Senate Office Building, and the Anderson House Office Building.
Ryan Bates, who heads the group End Gun Violence Michigan, believes these proposals are much needed.
“We cannot have a functioning democracy at the barrel of a gun,” Bates said. “It’s incredibly important that we protect our legislators and protect our democracy from people who want to do it harm by bringing guns into the places where our laws are made.”
If the gun-free zone bills become law, violators could face up to 90 days in jail, and or be fined. There would be an exception for the lawmakers themselves.
